Q: What is the Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program?

A: The ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program is a highly competitive scholarship program which provides select student leaders from the Middle East and North Africa with a fully-funded scholarship towards the completion of a degree at a college or university in the United States. The program is funded by ExxonMobil and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Some students may qualify for the opportunity to apply their skills through internships with ExxonMobil as an approved part of their academic program.

The ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program offers scholarship opportunities to pursue a Master's degree in geosciences for students who have at least a Bachelor's degree in Geoscience, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Math or Geography. All finalists are required to attend a final selection activity that will take place in the region.

Through this unique scholarship opportunity, ExxonMobil aims to contribute to the Middle East and North Africa region by helping to develop highly skilled and culturally adept individuals. Recipients of the scholarship will demonstrate a history of academic excellence, research and technical aptitude and exceptional cultural adaptability. All applicants for The Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program must be a citizen of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia or the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E). Candidates must have lived in the Middle East or North Africa for a minimum of 15 years and demonstrate native fluency in the Arabic language.

Q: What is the difference between the Institutional Testing Program (ITP) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the Official TOEFL test? Can I submit an ITP score for my scholarship application?

A: The Institutional TOEFL test or ITP (Institutional Testing Program) is often used as a practice test for the Official TOEFL exam and gives an approximate indication of English language ability. The Official TOEFL test is more precise at measuring language ability and U.S. universities require an official TOEFL test from every candidate before they can be considered for admission. Applicants may submit an ITP TOEFL initially for scholarship review.

Q: If I cannot apply by the application deadline, is it possible to apply next year?

Q: Who should I contact during the application process?

A: The Institute of International Education (IIE) is your main contact during the application process and once you arrive in the U.S. You can contact the program management via email at: exxonmobilscholars@iie.org. If selected, IIE will work with U.S. colleges and universities to obtain placement for you. You should not contact potential U.S. universities during the placement process.

Q: When should I be prepared to leave my country and travel to the U.S.? What about my passport?

A: The ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars will travel to the U.S. for an orientation session. The program management will arrange your travel and accommodations.

At a minimum, your passport must be valid through 2015. You must plan to request your visa from the U.S. Consulate in your country. Due to the changing immigration regulations in the region, this policy is likely to change periodically.

Upon acceptance to the program, you must return a signed copy of the terms and conditions as well as copies of the first 3 pages of your passport. These pages should have your photograph, date of birth, place of birth, and expiration. The Institute of International Education will send you the necessary forms and instructions for your appointment at the U.S. Embassy.

Q: Are dependents allowed to accompany you on the ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program?

A: No. Dependents are not allowed to accompany you to the United States. It is imperative that you discuss this issue with your family and that you prepare yourself for this time away from your country.